Iowa soldier killed by IED in Afghanistan

Posted:
Friday, June 29, 2012 6:04 PM EDT

EMERSON (KWWL) -

Sgt. James Skalberg died this week when his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan.

The 25-year-old Emerson native was serving on active duty in the U.S. Army in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan. On June 27, Skalburg and 24-year-old 1st Lt. Stephen C. Prasnicki of Lexington, Va. were both killed.

The Iowa National Guard says that Skalberg grew up in Emerson and graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 2005, before attending Peru State College. He joined the U.S. Army in February 2007 and was deployed with this unit to Iraq in 2008-09.

Skalberg has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver's Badge, Air Assault Badge and Combat Action Badge.

Skalberg is survived by his wife, Jessica Skalberg and son, Carter Skalberg.